While movies may still be a big thing in the United States, their success could very well be eclipsed by that of mobile entertainment, if current statistics are to be believed.
Re/code has reported that, between tablets and smartphones, mobile entertainment has managed to generate $9.14 billion in revenue over the past year. That’s a total that’s coming ever so closer to the $10.35 billion that American moviegoers spent purchasing tickets in the past year, per numbers compiled by SNL Kagan.
The revenue is a combination of videos, music, games and other services used with the mobile devices, which has grown a combined 50 percent over the past few years, since 2011. At that rate, it wouldn’t be a surprise if home entertainment managed to overtake the box office numbers – perhaps even by this year, if trends continue.
Games have easily led the charge, with primary releases like Hearthstone: World of Warcraft and Kim Kardashian: Hollywood generating big bucks, with more than $5.2 billion in revenue alone. Video followed closely behind, with an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue, including popular video sites such as YouTube.
Music has also seen a bit of moving and shaking, with ringtones being replaced by on-demand music streaming services, such as Spotify. It’s doing quite well, though with mobile music bringing in $1.76 billion last year alone, and with various companies introducing new services (including the rumor that Google may launch its own comparative music service), that number could easily grow.
Some folks just feel it’s more convenient to watch their items in the comfort of their home, rather than heading to a local theater and paying big bucks for tickets, concessions and other items. That’s not to say the movie house is doomed – not in the least – but it’ll be interesting to see what big studios do to draw attention back to the box office again. Certainly, hyped films like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Star Wars: The Force Awakens will make a difference.
